Outline

Overview

This unit provides students with a broad understanding of the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise. The unit describes the basic metabolic, cardiovascular and respiratory responses and adaptations to exercise training in healthy, asymptomatic individuals. It outlines the different modalities of exercise testing for quantification of functional capacity, exercise prescription and training. It examines physical deconditioning and the associated physiological deterioration. It also provides an introduction to clinical populations who would benefit from exercise training. Students apply and integrate theoretical knowledge through practical and tutorial classes. Students will develop skills to measure physiological responses to exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness. Based on best-practice guidelines, students will design an exercise program for a healthy individual.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	EXSS3061
Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	EXSS1036 or EXSS2032
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	BIOS1170 or BIOS2170
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tom Gwinn, tom.gwinn@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Glen Davis, glen.davis@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tom Gwinn, tom.gwinn@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Suzie Mate, suzanne.mate@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Ayshe Sahinovic, ayshe.sahinovic@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	End of semester exam Written exam: Format - short answer questions and MCQs	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 1 Online Quiz	5%	Week 03 Due date: 04 Mar 2024 at 23:59	15 min approx - Open for 7 days
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 2 Online quiz	5%	Week 05 Due date: 18 Mar 2024 at 23:59	15 min approx - Open for 7 days
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 3 Online quiz	5%	Week 08 Due date: 15 Apr 2024 at 23:59	15 min approx - Open for 7 days
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical report Data analysis from incremental exercise test	15%	Week 09 Due date: 22 Apr 2024 at 23:59	graphs/calculations/1000 word discussion
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 4 Online quiz	5%	Week 11 Due date: 06 May 2024 at 23:55	15 min approx - Open for 7 days
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Evidence base review Review of exercise RTC in clinical population	10%	Week 12 Due date: 13 May 2024 at 23:59	2x A4 pages including graphs and tables
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

4 x Online Quizzes. Each quiz will examine the previous two weeks lecture and tutorial content. Each quiz will take approximately 15 min or less to complete. Value: 6% each. Non-compulsory.

Practical report: This report will involve data presentation (graphs, tables) calculations and analysis of the responses to exercise from Practicals 2 & 3. A detailed rubric will be available on Canvas. This is a group assignment: the groups are defined by the 4-5 students who formed a sub-group to collect data in Practical 2. Value 11%. Non-submission will result in an absent fail. All group members are expected to make a significant contribution to the assignment, and each review the entire assignment before submission. If some members of group feel there has been substantial differences in contributions, they should contact the unit coordinator. Demonstrated non-contribution may result in an absent fail for that individual.

Evidence based report: Students will review and summarise a single published controlled trial examining the effects of an exercise training program (moderate intensity continuous exercise, high intensity interval training or sprint interval training) in either a healthy, aged sample or a sample with a medical condition. Length: 2 x A4 pages. A detailed rubric will be available on Canvas. This is an individual assignment. Value 10%. Non-submission will result in an absent fail. All group members are expected to make a significant contribution to the assignment, and each review the entire assignment before submission. If some members of group feel there has been substantial differences in contributions, they should contact the unit coordinator. Demonstrated non-contribution may result in an absent fail for that individual.

Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and tutorial classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Student performance in assessment tasks demonstrates mastery of the learning outcomes at a very high standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Student performance in assessment tasks demonstrates mastery of the learning outcomes at a high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Student performance in assessment tasks demonstrates mastery of the learning outcomes at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Student performance in assessment tasks demonstrates mastery of the learning outcomes at an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When the student doesn’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties for the practical report and evidence-based report: Assignments submitted after 11:59 pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Unit overview / Submaximal VO2/ VO2max	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	CV responses to exercise	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Screening for exercise risk / Assessment of exercise capacity I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Practical 1: Steady-state exercise: VO2 and CV responses & Tutorial 1.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessment of exercise capacity II / Integration CV and metabolic responses	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Practical 2 (Group A - 1/2 of students): VO2 and CV responses to submax and max exercise	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	VO2max, COmax, age & sex / How training increases VO2max	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Practical 2 (Group B - other 1/2 of students): VO2 and CV responses to submax and max exercise	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Training changes CV responses to ex / Ventilation during exercise	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Practical 3 Prediction of VO2max from submaximal HR	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Effect of bedrest or detraining on VO2max / Clinical evidence for exercise training	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial 1: Predicting VO2max from data	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	A: Exercise prescription I, B: Exercise prescription II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Exercise prescription III / Muscle energy systems: OxPhos	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial 2: CV adaptations to aerobic training	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Muscle energy systems: Anaerobic / Causes of fatigue during exercise	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Training increases oxidative potential / Training decreases lactate and Pi build-up	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Metabolic adaptations bedrest & detraining/ Integration CV and metabolic adaptainins to training / AMP drives increased oxidative potential	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 3: Metabolic adaptations decrease fatigue	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Review and revision	Lecture (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Recommended textbook for background reading. (Not recommended for purchase): McArdle W.D., Katch F.I., Katch V.L. Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance. 9th Edition. Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health. 2022

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand considerations for safe cardiorespiratory fitness assessment for a variety of client groups
LO2. Describe and explain the individual and integrated physiological responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems to acute exercise of differing intensities
LO3. Describe and explain combinations of dosage variable for effective exercise prescription to increase endurance capacity
LO4. Describe and explain the adaptations in cardiovascular and metabolic systems responsible for increased endurance capacity, and associated health benefits, following exercise training in young adult and elderly healthy individuals and in individuals with a variety of chronic medical conditions.
LO5. Describe and explain the adaptations in cardiovascular and metabolic systems responsible for decreased endurance capacity following disuse, bed rest and aging.
LO6. Perform cardiorespiratory fitness assessments and interpret the physiological responses of an individual during exercise
LO7. Evaluate the evidence-base for endurance training for clinical populations in terms of positive performance and health outcomes through review of published randomised-controlled trials and meta-analyses.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In 2023 USS feedback students commented that the respiratory physiology content was overly complex. This content has been completely revised in 2024, and will be presented in a condensed format.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

EXSS3061: Exercise Responses and Programming

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect